Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma (SNUC)
- SNUC are believed to originate from Schneiderian epithelium or from ectoderm of the paranasal sinuses (neuroendocrine tumor).
- They are characterized by rapid growth and contiguous extension to the orbit and intracranial compartment. Such extension is usually associated with poor prognosis. Rarely, these tumors metastasize to lung and bone.
- Most patients present with nasal obstruction, epistaxis, pain, proptosis and decreased visual acuity.
- Key Diagnostic Features: Enhancing expansile nasal cavity mass. Intracranial and intraorbital extension is common. Presence of a cystic component along the intracranial extension of this disease process is highly suggestive of this disease entity and helps distinguish it from other nasal cavity lesions.
- DDx: Pleomorphic adenoma, Lymphoma, Melanoma, Squamous cell carcinoma
- Treatment: Chemotherapy, Radiation and Surgery.
